Whirinaki 25

4-6 September 2009

Back in 1984, a sometimes bitter conservation argument over the Whirinaki Forest Park was resolved in favour of permanent protection of the giant podocarps - the rimu, totara, kahikatea, matai and miro - which have grown there for millennia. Those in favour of total protection claimed it would not destroy local communities but instead develop an eco-tourism Mecca which would fuel a thriving, sustainable local economy.

25 years later it is time to reflect on that vision, to show the wider New Zealand community what has been achieved in conservation terms, and look to what the future holds for the Whirinaki and its communities.

With a three day weekend of activities, visitors will be able to take part in:
• explore the cultural connection of Ngati Whare to this special forest
• celebrate its the rich biodiversity
• hear what Dr David Bellamy thinks 25 years on
• experience new walking, camping and riding opportunities
• share the appreciation of the forest
• reminisce and dream about the area's past and its future.

It will be a rich programme of activities, driven by the wider community and with the door wide open to all who wish to be there. Start planning your visit now!
Whirinaki 25 Programme

Gala Dinner
To reserve your seats for the gala dinner at Rotorua’s Novotel on Friday September 4 with David Bellamy, where guests will enjoy an exciting indigenously-inspired meal, a glass or two of fine wine and above all an evening of entertaining musings, reflections and dreams from the world’s favourite tree-hugger please contact: 
Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing
Phone 07 343 1732
Fax 07 343 1740
theorganiser@rotoruanz.com
Tickets are $150 each

The Whirinaki community would not have been able to pull this event together without the gracious and generous support of a host of corporate businesses and community organisations. Among our supporters are: